Socialist MEP supports public sector strike

Socialist Party (Ireland) MEP Paul Murphy spoke at the European Parliament in support of the 30 November public sector strike in Britain:

"David Cameron described today's massive public sector strike as a damp squib. Is it any wonder that this prime minister of a cabinet of millionaires that rules for the millionaires seeks to undermine this massive display of strength by working people?

Two million people on strike across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England, and a movement that demonstrates the power to defeat the government's austerity policies.

I've visited picket lines across Belfast today, and attended a mass rally of 10,000 people. The message from the strikers was very clear: enough is enough. They will not work longer and pay more for reduced pensions. They will not accept further attacks on wages, further attacks on conditions, and the further cutbacks on our public services that are driven by the government and the assembly.

The outstanding socialist James Connolly proclaimed: 'The great only appear great because we are on our knees, let us arise!' Today the working class has begun to stand up and the potential power is very clear. This has to be the start of building a movement that can win. That means naming a date for further public sector strike action and striving to spread action to the private sector."